Sunday, August 09, 2015

In my 30+ years of
writing, I’ve gone from a struggling newbie agonizing over every word and more
drafts than I can remember to a published author. I’ve learned the business
side of things, how bookstores operate, plus the ins and outs of contracts. I’ve
read numerous articles on self-publishing and traditional publishing, all of
which have helped me to view my work from a business perspective as well as a
creative one.

Although a minority
of writers make a living from their work, plenty of them are willing to share
their experiences and give advice. One blog from author Joanna Penn made me
realize that publishing lots of books in popular genres is only part of the
strategy to earning a good living from writing. You see, Joanna has become a
writing entrepreneur.

Her six-figure income
isn’t just about writing and publishing. It’s a combination of sales from
teaching courses, professional speaking, affiliate sales, and podcast
sponsorship. It’s really quite something and I encourage you to read her blog if
you’re interesting in building a writing business. She’s broken down the
percentage of income from different sources quite nicely.

It’s also interesting
to note that she writes both nonfiction and fiction. As you’ll see when you
read the blog, the key is to diversify. Many writers think that diversification
is about writing lots of books in different genres and then turning them into
audio books. But that’s only the beginning for the writing entrepreneur.

I’ve been lucky
enough to take on a few paid speaking engagements this year. I’m also paid to
facilitate a creative writing program from time to time. But Joanna’s blog has made
me realize that there is so much more I could do.

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Cheryl Kaye Tardif is "already a big hit in Canada...a name to reckon with south of the border." --BOOKLIST.

I'm an international bestselling author of numerous suspense novels: Children of the Fog, Whale Song (and Whale Song: School Edition), Divine Intervention, The River.
On September 27, 2010, my alter-ego Cherish D'Angelo made her debut with Lancelot's Lady. Cherish writes steamy romantic suspense.
I also have a collection called Skeletons in the Closet & Other Creepy Stories, and a suspenseful novelette, Remote Control.
Follow me on Twitter.
~Cheryl